America 250 Grand Parade & Celebration Comes to Crestview
Okaloosa County will mark a historic milestone with the America 250 Grand Parade & Celebration on May 9 from 4–10 p.m. in downtown Crestview. One of the county’s largest patriotic gatherings to date, the event will feature floats, marching bands, veteran tributes, food trucks, vendors and live entertainment.
Crestview native and Olympic bronze medalist Mia Manganello will serve as a Grand Marshal. Attendees are encouraged to line Main Street in red, white and blue or colonial attire.
Vendor, parade and volunteer registration is available online. For details, visit Facebook at Okaloosa County America 250 or contact america250@myokaloosa.com.
Southwest Crestview Bypass Opens with Major Impact
The Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners will celebrate the grand opening of the Southwest Crestview Bypass on May 1 at 9 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony near U.S. Highway 90 and Enzor Road.
The $212 million, multi-phase project improves traffic flow and access throughout north Okaloosa County, connecting Antioch Road, State Road 85 and U.S. Highway 90. It also aligns with FDOT’s Interstate 10 interchange project at P.J. Adams Parkway.
“The vision for this project was recognized years ago by County, City and community leaders who led the way to blaze this new trail for our residents,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Trey Goodwin. “I can’t thank our staff and Anderson Columbia enough for all of the great work that has been done and all those who helped piece together the funding for this extraordinary project.”
Apply Now: Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
Okaloosa County is seeking applicants to serve on the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. One citizen will be appointed to a three-year term, advising the County and City of Fort Walton Beach on affordable housing strategies, including removing barriers and expanding opportunities.
Applicants must meet qualifications outlined in Florida Statute 420.9076, including experience in planning, housing or related fields.
Applications are due by 5 p.m. May 14, 2026, and can be submitted via email or mail. Learn more and apply at myokaloosa.com/citizen-councils/home.
School Climate Survey Open Through April 29
Families are encouraged to participate in the Okaloosa County School District’s School Climate Survey, open through April 29. The survey takes about 10 minutes and allows input for one or multiple schools.
Administered by an independent third party, The Donovan Group, results will help guide future decisions.
Complete the survey at dgsurveys.com/r/OkaloosaSchools26.
Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Set for May 9
The 34th annual NALC Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive will take place Saturday, May 9. As the nation’s largest one-day food drive, residents in Niceville and Valparaiso can support Sharing and Caring by placing nonperishable food items near their mailbox before regular mail delivery.
Suggested items include canned soup, pasta, rice and peanut butter.
School District Opens Employee Health Clinic
The Okaloosa County School District recently opened a new Employee Health Clinic at Okaloosa Technical College in Fort Walton Beach, offering free medical services and prescriptions for eligible employees and dependents.
Operated in partnership with Marathon Health, the clinic provides preventive care, chronic condition support and convenient scheduling aligned with school hours.
“This clinic represents an important step forward in how we support our employees,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “By removing barriers like cost and access, we are making it easier for our staff to prioritize their health, something that directly impacts their ability to support our students each day.”
“This is a meaningful investment in our people,” said Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Lindsay Maxey. “When we support the health and well-being of our employees, we are strengthening our entire district and the communities we serve.”
“By bringing care directly to the people we serve, we help remove barriers so that staff members and their families can get the care they need when they need it,” stated Marathon Health Regional Operations Manager Paul Lutz. “When the people who support our students are healthy and supported, our entire community benefits.”
New Extension Facility Expands Community Services
Okaloosa County has opened a new 3,000-square-foot UF/IFAS Extension Services facility, replacing a storm-damaged building and expanding educational programming in agriculture, horticulture, coastal sciences, family and consumer sciences and 4-H youth development.
Services include soil testing, plant clinics, water quality assistance and free tax preparation.
“Agriculture has always been a passion of mine and I have worked with the team at the Extension service for many years,” said Okaloosa County Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel (District 2). “This will greatly enhance services offered to the south end of the county. I am grateful to be part of the effort to unveil this new facility that will mean so much to our community.”
The facility is named in honor of Sheila Dunning, a longtime Extension agent recognized for her contributions to horticulture and education.
Learn more at sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/okaloosa.
